Verified packing list
International Trip Packing List, the verified version
Long-haul adds three things a domestic trip doesn't have: documents that must be right, power that doesn't match, and pharmacies that don't stock your brands. Rules are linked to sources; judgment is marked as tips. Checks save on this device.
Documents
- Many destinations require six months of validity beyond your trip — check your destination's entry rules the day you book, not the week you fly.
- Some "visa-free" countries still require an online travel authorization — check the official government site, not a reseller.
- Photo of the passport ID page in your phone, a paper copy in a different bag than the passport itself. (Tip that saves vacations.)
- Policy number and the claims phone number somewhere that isn't only your phone. (Tip.)
Money
- Call it or check the app before you fly. (Tip.)
- Arrival taxis and markets; exchange a little, not a lot. (Tip.)
- The classic two-wallets rule. (Tip.)
Power & tech
- Socket types differ by country — check yours before buying; a universal adapter covers multi-country trips. (Tip.)
- Phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage; cheap hair tools often are NOT — a 110V-only iron dies loudly at 230V. Cordless tools have their own flight rules. details →
- Spare lithium is carry-on only; the rule is effectively universal across airlines. details →
- Plus offline maps of your first city. (Tip.)
Health
- Carry-on, never checked. Some countries restrict common medicines — check your destination's rules for anything beyond the basics; a doctor's note helps for prescriptions. details →
- Brand names don't cross borders; generic names do. (Tip.)
- Foreign pharmacies work fine, but not at 2am in a language you don't read. (Tip.)
Packing
- Most international airports run a 100 ml rule similar to TSA's; the US-bound leg is TSA proper. details →
- Two weeks in a carry-on is a compression game. (Tip.)
- Foreign carriers weigh cabin bags more often than US ones — check your airline's limits before the return leg.
- Ten days plus means laundry happens; a real bag beats the hotel's plastic one. (Tip.)
Shop this trip
One pick from each part of the kit we stock — add them all, then trim in the cart. Kits are checklists, never a bundled SKU: you can remove anything.
FAQ
Do other countries follow TSA liquid rules?
TSA rules apply at US checkpoints. Most international airports enforce a similar 100 ml / quart-bag standard, but it's the local authority's rule — expect the same limits, and check your departure airport if you're carrying anything unusual.
Can you take a power bank on international flights?
In the cabin, yes — same as US rules (up to 100 Wh without approval). In checked bags, no. The lithium carry-on-only rule is effectively universal across airlines.
How early should I check my passport's expiry?
The day you book. Many countries require six months of validity beyond your travel dates, and passport renewals take weeks.
Flying to the port? Check your bag against your airline on the fit checker, and your liquids against 3-1-1.
Size limits change. We watch them for you.
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